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House passes HJR 115 to extend property-tax exemption to 100% service-connected disabled veterans and spouses after heated debate
Summary
By voice and roll-call votes the House approved HJR 115, which would change wording to allow 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their spouses to receive homestead and personal property exemptions; supporters framed it as honoring veterans while opponents warned of Hancock Amendment consequences and fiscal shifts to other taxpayers.
The Missouri House debated and then passed House Joint Resolution 115 on April 20, a constitutional-change resolution that would amend statutory language to allow 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their spouses to receive personal property and homestead tax exemptions.
Representative (gentleman from Cole County), the sponsor, characterized HJR 115 as a long-term effort to change a single word that would permit 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their spouses to benefit from existing tax exemptions. "For the 21,100 percent disabled veterans across the state of Missouri ... I would ask that this body vote yes," he said, noting broad cosponsorship.
Supporters from both parties emphasized the sacrifice of veterans and argued the exemption would help retain and attract veterans to Missouri, pointing to comparable programs in other states. Representative (Jackson County City of Independence) and multiple veterans and committee members spoke about the social and economic benefits.
Opponents warned of budgetary effects tied to the Hancock Amendment, arguing that shifting exemptions would increase property-tax burdens on other taxpayers. One opponent cited the fiscal note, saying that if the resolution passed and the measure were later approved at the ballot box, "96% of Missouri veterans could see a property tax increase" due to how revenue shifts would be allocated. Other speakers urged caution and recommended reworking language in a future session.
After extended floor debate involving numerous members for and against, the House recorded a final vote for third reading and passage: yeas 152, nays 2. The resolution now proceeds according to constitutional and procedural rules for joint resolutions presented to voters or otherwise enacted under Missouri law.
